Suspended Valcke set for investigation

THE corruption scandal engulfing world governing body Fifa took another twist last night after secretary general Jerome Valcke was suspended by the organisation until further notice.

Valcke, outgoing president Sepp Blatter’s right-hand man, has been released from his duties pending an investigation into his involvement in a World Cup tickets scheme.

It has been alleged that Valcke, who has been in his role at Fifa since 2007, was implicated in an arrangement to sell World Cup tickets above their market value.

“Fifa today announced that its secretary general Jerome Valcke has been put on leave and released from his duties effective immediately until further notice,” read a Fifa statement yesterday.

“Further, Fifa has been made aware of a series of allegations involving the secretary general and has requested a formal investigation by the Fifa Ethics Committee.”

Fourteen Fifa officials and sports marketing executives have been indicted by the United States Justice department since May as part of widespread investigations into claims of bribery, money laundering and racketeering totalling more than $150m (£97m).